Gay lifestyles have always been recognized as existing, but their acceptance is something that has struggled through history. The last example of any sort of gay welcoming culture would be the Greeks and Romans and that was over two thousand years prior, with the world not rushing to recreate that sort of gay prevalence. Today, some countries are extremely welcoming towards gays, for example Canada which allows for same sex unions or places around the world that welcome gay tours.
In the United States, gay rights are debated across a variety of regions whose ideals shift radically based on culture and religion. Some cities are more gay friendly than others and some states, like Vermont, allow gay marriages that would not be recognized otherwise. Because America is a melting pot, the reaction to homosexuality runs the gamut, but it is still better than countries like Iran which punish gay lifestyles with death sentences.
While everyone wants to debate if being gay is a choice or whether or not it is genetic, those that are gay struggle with their feelings from childhood. Realizing that they are different and surviving puberty which is a time of sexual exploration can be extremely difficult for them as it is for straight teenagers. Staying in the closet to fit in or coming out and being a beacon for your sexuality is a choice that straight teens do not have to struggle with.
Being accepted is, in a sense, easier than ever because of technology. Groups that identify towards one another can find solace and company online and this can be invaluable for gays living isolated existences in areas in which coming out is not a possibility. The Lesbian Gay and Transgendered (LGBT) groups that exist online bleed into the real world and allow for gays to think of a future in which they can be surrounded by others that are like them.
Many straight adults never have to think twice about feeling accepted sexually and so it can be underestimated that for a gay person to be around other gay persons, it can be one of the most accepting and transformative experiences. Finding time to be around other gays and having a sense of community does not have to be the exclusive purview of gay clubs. Travel feeds the soul and traveling with other gay people on gay tours can open up the world.
Gay tours also work as a great travel template to know where there are areas in which acceptance is high, bringing the overall anxiety level down. These tours can be centered on cruise ships with varying destinations and a very party boat atmosphere or they can be more focused and smaller, like wildlife tours that let you explore the natural wonders of places like Alaska.
There are a variety and number of vacations that will have you surrounded by other gay people and couples. No matter your interests there are tours specific to your desires. Also, the extent in which tours are gay can vary according to your interests be it gays, lesbians, and their friends, gay families, just gay men, and only lesbian women.
The world is a huge and expansive place with a variety of spots you should see when you have the chance. Being able to travel with our gays takes some of the psychological pressure off of you when you are out and about in the world. Take gay vacations and see what the world has to offer
Travel ideas penned by Howie Holben. His company, Spirit Journeys, is a gay lesbian travel firm. Spirit Journeys proposes spiritual gay vacation resort throughout the world.